Gas price situation in Europe could negatively affect Russia’s reputation as a reliable supplier of energy resources – EU ambassador
ECONOMY
08.10.2021 | 13:28The situation with gas prices in Europe could negatively affect Russia’s reputation as a reliable supplier of energy resources, EU Ambassador Markus Ederer has said, RIA Novosti reported.
He insisted that the increase in the price of natural gas should concern not only Europe but also Moscow for several reasons.
“First of all, it can accelerate the process of replacing gas with renewable energy sources in Europe,” he explained. Second, Russia, he said, risks losing the status of a reliable supplier if it fails to respond adequately to growing demand.
In this context, many perceive Moscow’s inaction as a means of pressure to accelerate the work of North Stream 2, the ambassador said.
“In response to increased demand, a reliable supplier of energy resources is likely to be able to increase supplies, as the International Energy Agency has called for,” Ederer concluded.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Gazprom was fulfilling its obligations under the gas supply agreement. At the same time, he urged to consider the possibility of a sharp increase in supply in the market, for example, on the St. Petersburg Exchange.
On Wednesday, the price of futures reached a record $ 2,000 per 1,000 cubic meters, and on Thursday began to fall below $ 1,000. After that, the price of gas fell slightly, reaching $ 1161 at 18:00 Moscow time.